Here Are 12 Things People from Massachusetts Do That Seem Insane To Everyone Else

Massachusetts may be the birthplace of America, but it’s also the birthplace of some habits that leave outsiders completely baffled. To locals, these quirks are second nature; to everyone else, they’re downright insane. From Dunkin’ devotion to traffic chaos, the Bay State has its own special brand of normal.

1. Treat Dunkin’ Like It’s Fine Dining

Coffee, bagels, breakfast sandwiches—Massachusetts runs on Dunkin’, and don’t you dare suggest Starbucks.

2. Pronounce Town Names Like They’re Secret Codes

“Worcester” is “Wuh-stah,” “Peabody” is “Pee-b’die,” and outsiders will never get it right.

3. Drive in Circles Around Rotaries Like It’s a Sport

Traffic lights are for amateurs. Massachusetts drivers treat rotaries like demolition derbies.

4. Use “Wicked” as an All-Purpose Adjective

It’s not just good—it’s wicked good. Outsiders think you’re quoting a Broadway show.

5. Eat Fluffernutters Without Shame

Marshmallow fluff and peanut butter on white bread? To locals, it’s a childhood classic. To outsiders, it’s a sugar bomb.

6. Park Wherever They Want During Snowstorms

If there’s a chair or traffic cone in the spot, it’s theirs. Outsiders who move it learn fast.

7. Argue About the Best Clam Chowder Like It’s Politics

It’s thick, creamy, and definitely not Manhattan-style. Don’t even bring that up here.

8. Call Sub Sandwiches “Grinders”

Say “sub” or “hoagie” and you’ve outed yourself as an outsider.

9. Treat the Red Sox Like a Religion

Generations live and die by Fenway’s scoreboard. Outsiders don’t get the emotional rollercoaster.

10. Survive Winters with Nothing But Salt and Attitude

Snow, slush, ice—Massachusetts drivers barrel through like it’s nothing. Outsiders white-knuckle the whole ride.

11. Call Soda “Tonic” (At Least the Old-School Folks Do)

Outsiders think it means gin and tonic. Locals just mean Coke.

12. Brag About Being the Smartest State While Driving Like Maniacs

Home to Harvard and MIT, but good luck finding a Massachusetts driver using a turn signal.

To outsiders, these Massachusetts quirks seem chaotic, confusing, and maybe even insane. But for locals, they’re just part of life in the Bay State. Stick around long enough, and you’ll be eating Fluffernutters, swearing by clam chowder, and shouting “Go Sox!” at strangers like it’s second nature.